Coffs Harbour sand management

Reviewed

Project overview

Transport for NSW has been investigating options to address sand build-up at the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp, and ensure the channel remains clear and open to vessels.

The Coffs Harbour boat ramp basin is in an area that is subject to significant sand movement and complex hydrodynamic and beach fluctuation processes. Transport for NSW have implemented the least environmentally harmful and most cost-effective solution.

The Sand Management Plan (PDF, 1.04 MB) (published in November 2022) details our strategy for managing this sand build-up, and this project page will provide our community with information specific to Sand Management.

The Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp project is now in Stage 2 construction (the car park and facilities).

Latest news

March 2024 - Dredging operations

As part of the Transport NSW plan to manage sand build-up in the channel dredging operations will continue on site in the coming weeks and run alongside the Sand Pump Operations to maintain channel depth. This is due extremely low tides, and weather conditions causing rapid sand buildup. There will be minimal disruption to public use of the boat ramp while the dredging is in operation.

We will have Boating Safety Officers and variable messaging signs in the area over the next couple of weeks providing advice to boaters using the boat ramp to ensure the safety of all waterway users.

Be mindful of where the cutter suction vessel and/or the long reach excavator is and ensure you stay well clear when it is operating.

We recommend that skippers plan their trips to avoid having to access the channel and boat ramp at low tide due to sand build up. Boaters are reminded of their responsibility to assess conditions before negotiating any marine channel.

You can access a copy of the latest hydrographic map of the boat ramp channel and harbour showing depths in the area under Reports below on this page. Please be aware conditions are very dynamic and can change rapidly.

February 2024: Sand Management for Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp

Transport for NSW is monitoring the trial's progress and making necessary adjustments to optimise the pumping system's performance, taking into account the dynamic nature of wave and weather patterns affecting sand movement at the Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp.
 
Here's what you can expect throughout the coming weeks as we continue to enhance the sand management trial:
 
Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD) Operations
The floating Cutter Suction Dredge (CSD) will operate occasionally in areas with sand build-up, particularly along the western side of the breakwall. There will be no disruption to public use of the boat ramp while the CSD is in operation.
 
Regular Sand Pump Operations
Sand pumps will continue to operate regularly, generally once a month or as needed, addressing sand accumulation in the navigational channel. An additional sand pump will be installed to capture sand bypassing the current system. 
 
Groyne Construction
To further optimise sand redirection, a small groyne (rock wall) was constructed west of the channel last month (see image below). This groyne will direct bypassing sand towards the sand pump system, contributing to more efficient sand management.
 
Improved Visibility with Camera Relocation
We are relocating the boat ramp camera to a position on the breakwall, providing users with an enhanced view of the channel, boat ramp, and carpark areas. This strategic repositioning aims to offer a better perspective for users monitoring the activities around the boat ramp.
 
We are committed to refining our sand management strategies and thank the community for their patience as we continue to make progress in optimising the sand management trial at Coffs Harbour Regional Boat Ramp.

For older news, please visit our news archive.

Project information

Background

In August 2022, as Stage 1 of the boat ramp was nearing completion, sand began massing around the end of the newly extended breakwater and lodging in the boat ramp channel.

While this has been an ongoing issue in Coffs Harbour for decades, it became apparent that sand movement had changed. Sand from the sea and Jetty Beach continued to wash into the channel and build up throughout the passage leading to the boat ramp.

In January 2022, this prompted Transport for NSW to explore options to remediate the sand build up. Consequently, we engaged Royal Haskoning DHV, who are expert coastal engineers, to examine the sand build up in the channel.

What are we doing?

Mid-term strategy

As at February 2023, we were in the planning stages of a sand pumping system trial. This type of dredging involves a series of pumps, buried underneath the sea floor and an interconnecting series of pipes that automatically suck up the sand, turn it into a slurry and transport it via the pipes, to a designated area.

For the purposes of the trial, the designated area will be the bunded area adjacent to the boat ramp.

The trial started in March 2023, is expected to operate for 12 months, and will inform decisions needed for our longer-term strategy.

Long-term strategy

Assuming the sand pumping system trial is a success, we will enter the planning phase for a permanent system to be installed.

The timeframe to start on this option is at least mid-2024, as we need to fully evaluate the trial before even proceeding to planning for a more permanent solution.

Project documents

Some documents on this page may not comply with accessibility requirements (WCAG).

If you are having trouble accessing information in these documents, please contact us.

 

Reports

Hydrographic surveys

Plans

Contact us

For further information about this project, please contact:

Phone: 1800 161 188

Email: coffsharboursandmanagement@transport.nsw.gov.au

Mail: Coffs Harbour Marine Precinct, Transport-Maritime, Locked Bag 5100, Camperdown, NSW 1450